www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Tears - demonic???

Earlier this evening I was reading chapter 3 of Kallistos Ware's book "The Inner Kingdom" and came upon a very intriguing statement, that I'm hoping someone can elucidate for me.

In chapter 3, regarding the gift of tears, his grace asks, "What has this gift of tears to teach us about the meaning of repentance? There are many kinds of tears and it is important to discriminate between them. The crucial distinction lies between sensual or natural tears and spiritual tears (there is also a third possibility: tears may be demonic)."

Unfortunately, his grace leaves the "demonic aspect" of tears at that and says no more about what he means exactly by "tears may be demonic". Can anyone elaborate for me on what he means?

Greg

Slava Jesu Kristu,

Many monastic fathers talk of the "gift of Tears." Any gift can be hijacked by the Enemy and used against us. My understanding is that the Devil uses tears to foster pride. For instance, say you are in a state of Prayer and tears begin to flow. You may begin to think that you have achieved that state of Theosis where you are so close to the Divine that the body literally cries out. This may lead into false feelings of Spiritual advancement leading to laxes in practice. This would then lead to inroads to your Soul by the Enemy. However, the true gift of Tears is most common in Monastics so most laity should be on guard but not overly concirned. The Devil has much easier ways of getting to us. Just turn on the TV....

Dmitri